1. “Opening Night begins at 7:00 pm at the historic Castro Theatre, where the curtain rises on Micmacs(France), the latest whimsical creation from the endlessly inventive director Jean-Pierre Jeunet (Delicatessen, Amélie and City of Lost Children). A man who lost his father to a landmine and has a bullet lodged in his own skull seeks revenge against weapons manufacturers, enlisting an eccentric gang of junk dealers into his wacky scheme. After the screening, the Opening Night party kicks off at 9:30 pm in the historic Regency Center, where partygoers can explore two levels of Edwardian splendor while enjoying refreshing cocktails, international culinary delights and to live music.

2. “The Festival’s Centerpiece screening, a not-to-be-missed date night showcasing the latest work from a celebrated new director, this year features the romantic film happythankyoumoreplease (USA) followed by a chic party at one of San Francisco’s hottest nightspots. Josh Radnor’s debut, an audience favorite at Sundance 2010, shirks the sex, drugs and rock and roll allure of Manhattan’s hipster stomping grounds for an old-fashioned dose of youthful optimism and social responsibility. happythankyoumoreplease will screen at 6:30 pm on Saturday, May 1 at the Sundance Kabuki Cinemas, followed by the Centerpiece party at 9:00 pm at Manor West, located at 750 Harrison Street between Third and Fourth streets. Cool cocktails and delectable hors d’oeuvres will add up to one hot scene.

3. “The Festival’s Closing Night offers a rousing finale at 7 pm on Thursday, May 6, beginning with a screening of Joan Rivers—A Piece of Work (USA), Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg’s unvarnished portrait of the pioneer comedian. The film follows the one and only Rivers over the course of a year, revealing the complexities of an inveterate entertainer who continues to persevere despite what others may think of her. Rivers and codirector Stern are expected to attend. After the screening at 9:30 pm, the Closing Night party commences at 1015 Folsom, one of San Francisco’s most vibrant clubs, where partygoers will dance the night away to hipster beats and enjoy decadent bites and well-crafted cocktails.

Roger will be honored at An Evening with Roger Ebert and Friends on May 1st at the Castro Theatre.

Get your tickets soon – this one will sell out despite the massiveness of the single-screen Castro.

Deets below, see you there!

ROGER EBERT WILL RECEIVE MEL NOVIKOFF AWARD AT THE 53RD SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Pulitzer Prize­-Winning Film Critic to Be Honored at An Evening with Roger Ebert and Friends May 1 at Castro Theatre

San Francisco, CA — Roger Ebert will receive the Mel Novikoff Award at the 53rd San Francisco International Film Festival (April 22 – May 6). The award, named for the pioneering San Francisco art and repertory film exhibitor Mel Novikoff (1922-87), acknowledges an individual or institution whose work has enhanced the filmgoing public’s knowledge and appreciation of world cinema. The Novikoff Award will be presented at An Evening with Roger Ebert and Friends, Saturday, May 1 at 5:30 pm at the Castro Theatre. Confirmed guests to date include directors Jason Reitman and Terry Zwigoff, with others to be announced soon.